Fantasy Tip: Gordon will start for the Chargers, but Branden Oliver and Danny Woodhead may be used more on passing downs if Gordon doesn't improve his blocking. Despite that current shortcoming, Gordon is worth being taken as your second running back.

San Diego Chargers TE Antonio Gates spoke publicly Thursday, July 30, the first time since being suspended for violating the league's performance-enhancing drug policy. Gates said he was shocked to learn the news and that he didn't know how the substance entered his body. Gates said he tested positive for a substance that produced elevated testosterone levels. "As you get older, you have to find a way to take care of yourself in terms of recovery," Gates said. "Unfortunately, certain things that you take in light of trying to do the right thing, in trying to make sure that when you're done playing that you can walk, talk and enjoy your family, is just not NFL approved."

Fantasy Tip: Gates is eligible to return in Week 5 against the Pittsburgh Steelers and should resume his points-producing ways for fantasy owners. He is a TE2 selection in traditional drafts but may be best reserved for daily action at FantasyScore.

San Diego Chargers SS Eric Weddle reported to training camp Wednesday, July 29, without a contract extension. Weddle plans to inform his agent not to negotiate with the Chargers, while focusing on his play and looking ahead to 2016 free agency.

San Diego Chargers LB Donald Butler said 2014 fell far short of his expectations, Wednesday, July 29. "It wasn't good enough," Butler said. "I'm my own worst critic, so it wasn't good enough hands down. But I'm looking forward to this year. I'm back healthy and ready to go," said Butler. The veteran linebacker was found to be in great shape when Chargers players reported to training camp.

San Diego Chargers RB Melvin Gordon will use the preseason to determine what role he will be able to handle in the offense this season. Gordon will help the team if he is involved in some packages and can establish himself as a downhill runner.

Fantasy Tip: Gordon could be part of a committee at running back but likely will see a good amount of carries this season if he is productive during the preseason. Gordon could be a middle-round option in drafts this season but may want be a weekly starting option.

San Diego Chargers LB Manti Te'o said he sees the game much quicker this season than he did his first two years. "Oh, way faster - I can't tell you how much different it is," Te'o said at the end of spring camp last month. "It feels so comfortable out there, to finally be out there and just play ball."

Fantasy Tip: Two years ago, Woodhead caught 76 balls for 605 yards and six touchdowns. Now 30, coming off a broken leg and Melvin Gordon present, he's unlikely to approach those career marks. He's still a name to consider near the end of PPR drafts.

Fantasy Tip: Johnson has already said it doesn't matter where he lines up on the field, but the Chargers are expected to use him in a variety of ways. It remains to be seen who will stay healthy and how involved they'll be, but Johnson could very well end up being the No. 3 wide receiver behind Keenan Allen and Malcom Floyd. View him as a WR5 for now.

San Diego Chargers QB Philip Rivers focused on core strengthening in his offseason training program after he played through back and rib injuries last season. "Troy Aikman is a guy who really told me this years ago," Rivers said. "He said as he got older, doing more and more core stuff for your back, for everything, to him was of utmost importance. I've done that maybe a little more so, just the stability there with the core. Other than that, I've done a similar routine. No drastic changes."

Fantasy Tip: Rivers enters a contract year as a solid QB1 to target after the top four or five are taken.

San Diego Chargers WR Keenan Allen's red zone targets fell from 19 in 2013 to 12 last year, and he caught just 18 passes that went at least 10 yards through the air a year ago compared to 29 in 2013.

Fantasy Tip: Allen was one of the bigger fantasy disappointments last year, but he showed too much promise as a rookie to write off. The suspension of Antonio Gates could result in a much faster start for Allen in 2015, and you should feel comfortable drafting him as a high-end WR3.

San Diego Chargers TE Ladarius Green said he is ready to fill in for TE Antonio Gates while he serves his four-game suspension. "I'm always ready to make plays because you never know when it's your time to go out and make them for the team," Green said.

Fantasy Tip: Green could be a sleeper option in the first four weeks for fantasy owners since he probably will see a good amount of targets. Owners could consider Green as a late-round option in drafts but should have another tight end on the roster that they can use for the entire season.

San Diego Chargers TE Ladarius Green is expected to take on an increased role in 2015, especially with the four-game suspension of fellow TE Antonio Gates. "[Green has] looked really good and he needs to be a bigger part [of the offense]," Rivers said. "We need to have him be a weapon for us because he could be a heck of a matchup for us against some defenses."

Fantasy Tip: Green certainly has the size (6-6, 240 pounds) to create those mismatches. Green will start the first four games for the Chargers this season due to Gates' suspension. Those are the games in which Green could put himself past the hump he's been trying to get over throughout his three-year career. Overall, Green should be considered a low-end TE2.